Cognitive Control Training for Depression

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Depression

• Registration Number: NCT01454141
• Lead Sponsor: Boston University

Brief Summary

Depression is frequently characterized by patterns of inflexible, maladaptive, and ruminative thinking styles; these patterns themselves are thought to result from a combination of decreased attentional control, decreased executive functioning, and increased negative affect. Specifically, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to play a central role in emotion regulation by recruiting resources necessary for executive control. Recent advances have been made in neurobehavioral training strategies as interventions for emotional disorders such as depression. Cognitive control training (CCT) uses computer-based exercises to recruit and activate prefrontal neural networks via repeated behavioral exercises, with the aim of strengthening cognitive and emotional functions. A previous study found that severely depressed participants who received CCT exhibited reduced negative affect and rumination as well as improved focus and concentration. The present study aimed to extend this line of research by employing a more stringent control group and testing the efficacy of three sessions of CCT over a two-week period in a community population with depressed mood. Forty-eight participants with high BDI-II scores were randomized to CCT or a comparison condition (Peripheral Vision Training; PVT). The investigators hypothesized that relative to a control condition (PVT), CCT would be associated with less self-reported negative mood and emotional reactivity.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-07
• Primary Completion: 2011-06
• Study Completion: 2011-06
• Status Verified: 2011-10
• Study First Submitted: 2011-10-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-10-14
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-10-14
• Study First Posted: 2011-10-18
• Last Update Posted: 2011-10-18

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 56

Inclusion Criteria

• BU students and local community members.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Familiarity with a computer keyboard.
• BDI-II score ≥ 17

Exclusion Criteria

• BDI-II score < 17, or > 35

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Beck Depression Inventory	two weeks	Change score in BDI was assessed between CCT and PVT groups.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in Visual Analog Scales	two weeks	We looked at the change scores in visual analog scales (happy/sad) between CCT and PVT groups.
Emotional Response and Recovery Task	two weeks	We looked at the emotional responses to IAPS images between CCT and PVT groups.
Change in Positive and Negative Affective Scale (PANAS)	two weeks	We looked at the change scores in positive and negative affectivity between CCT and PVT groups.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Boston University; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States